Article Tag: Lord of the Rings

Interview with Viggo Mortensen about his preparation and investment in the role of Aragorn for The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers. He talks about the difference between the director's vision and Tolkien's: "The more I explored Tolkien, the more I felt I had two bosses: Tolkien and Peter Jackson. I tried my best to be loyal to both of them."

Profile of Viggo Mortensen portrays him as a "steel-jawed hunk" who is also an "overall decent human being." A few anecdotes, quotes from co-stars.

Viggo Mortensen arrives on time at the touristy Chart House restaurant off L.A.’s Pacific Coast Highway. His cheeks are pink from sunburn; his hair is slicked-back and wet. He has the relaxed air of someone who has spent the day outdoors being reminded of life’s immensities—the sea, the desert—and is relieved to have been reminded. […]

In a land without mountains, you have to be happy with the few mountains there are. It can be reflected in a relaxed and well-balanced acceptance of the conditions of things, but it can also – sometimes – be reflected in a “sturm-und-drang”, an attempt to be more than you are. Reaching for the sky […]